During my travel in the summer of 2018, I decided to explore more of the Indonesian archipelago after getting my open water scuba certification. I went diving in Pulau Seribu, Bali, Gili, and Komodo islands when I found my true purpose. I was in awe of what is in the underwater world. From the smallest nudibranch, largest mantas and the fastest sharks! I knew from then on that I would like to be a dive professional with a focus on marine conservation.
Staff Spotlight: Putri Martosudarmo
Title:
Program Coordinator and Community Outreach OfficerPhotos
Putri is a Divemaster and Scientific Diver who currently works for the Indo Ocean Project as a Program Coordinator and Community Outreach Officer. She mentors the Divemaster Interns and helps run the citizen science side of the project as well as community outreach programs.
What is your favorite travel memory?
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Working for Indo Ocean Project has definitely made me a more conscious diver. Understanding habitats and what lives there and also how to dive without destroying marine life.
I have also been fortunate enough to be able to dive in remote places and connect with local communities and children. This job has made me appreciate my home even more and to protect it.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
Definitely how much their training and knowledge expand after their program with Indo Ocean Project. The students we have are usually the adventurous and explorer kinds, so its always amazing to see where they go after and what they do. I always love to hear when they pursue more education in the marine biology field or when they decided to work in remote places we haven't even heard of and, of course, the creatures we only see in books.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
After doing the Penida Project myself, I would do it all over again because of the location. Doing your Divemaster program in Nusa Penida, where the current is strong and the water is often cold, will make you a better diver and Divemaster.
In addition, I will do a few extra weeks in the Bira project, as well as other locations available so I can have more dives in different conditions under my belt.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Indo Ocean Project is unique because we all came from different countries and backgrounds, but have one goal together which is ocean conservation.
I was especially proud of my team when we get to do local community outreach in the elementary school in Bira. We got to talk to them about the beauty of their home, the species underwater and how to protect it. We also raised awareness around plastic waste and how to eliminate it from the simplest thing.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Communication is definitely key to being a successful company. Especially being in remote areas where logistics are often difficult and sparse. Being supportive of each other is also very important. We are living and working with our co-workers who are basically becoming a family.
Indo Ocean Project is also very open to new ideas and views that we are always welcome to express our thought on opinions.